The Seattle Seahawks opened their preseason Saturday with a 17-16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Here are five takeaways after having re-watched the game:
1. The quick passing game will be key early in the season.
Last year during the bye week, the coaches focused on implementing more of a quick passing game to help Russell Wilson on third down and against the blitz. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell still wants to take shots downfield, but when the team has issues with protection, it needs answers.
During Wilson's only drive Saturday, all three of his completions came on throws where he caught the snap from shotgun and got rid of the ball quickly. The Seahawks don't want their offensive-line issues to extend into October and November, but in the early part of the season it will be especially important for Wilson to execute the quick passing game.
2. Christine Michael was impressive.
He carried the ball seven times for 44 yards (6.3 YPC), and a couple things stood out about the way he ran. Number one, he looked explosive and decisive. Michael did not dance and showed good burst through the hole consistently. Secondly, he fought through contact. By my unofficial count, 29 of Michael's 44 yards came after contact.
On one play, Michael got skinny through the hole, broke a tackle and secured the football well for a 9-yard gain. It's easy to see why the coaching staff insists he's a different person in his second stint in Seattle.
3. The offensive line delivered an encouraging performance.
The guy who really stood out was center Justin Britt. He looked good in the run game, consistently winning at the line of scrimmage and getting to the second level of defenders. Germain Ifedi had a holding call but also looked good in the run game.
The Seahawks ran Michael between the tackles consistently, and he only bounced one run outside. In pass protection, the first-team offensive line did not give up any sacks on three possessions.
The backups did not fare as well. George Fant and Terry Poole had issues in pass protection. But the starters gave Tom Cable something to build on.
4. The Seahawks' top three cornerbacks are unlikely to change.
There's been a lot of buzz about Tharold Simon and to a lesser extent Tye Smith this summer. But the three guys the Seahawks are going to lean on are Richard Sherman, Jeremy lane and DeShawn Shead.
Lane started at right cornerback and slid inside in nickel when Shead came on the field. Shead got tested twice and had excellent coverage both times. Lane gave up a 20-yard completion after Alex Smith bought time, but that play falls on the pass rush. Smith had nearly eight seconds to find a receiver.
As for Simon, it was only one play, but he gave up a 21-yard completion and was called for pass interference.
I'd be surprised if the Seahawks went with a combination other than Sherman, Lane and Shead to start the season.
5. The competition at SAM is still wide open.
Mike Morgan got the start. Eric Pinkins rotated in later, and it looked like he got pinned inside on the 25-yard run by the Chiefs.
Marsh had a really good game, but he was most active when playing right defensive end.
This competition will continue deep into the preseason.
